mestic humility. Only a few upheld traditional male dominance, becoming anomalies among the proud husbands extolling their wives’ prowess.

In the meantime, old men under the ginkgo tree boasted of their domestic docility, transforming them into submissive cats and dogs.

When Fu Le heard Liu Xiaoyan was sick, he rushed to her dorm like a spring-loaded coil. Seeing her pale face lying in bed, Fu Le felt a sharp pain in his heart.

Chapter 8: Mining News

"Yanzi, what’s wrong? Have you been to the school’s medical room?" Fu Le asked, holding Liu Xiaoyan’s hand with deep concern. Her face had lost its usual glow, and she weakly shook her head.

"Listen to me! Let Brother Le carry you to see the doctor, okay?"

"I’m sick too! How about Brother Le carries me to the doctor?" Another girl teased, and laughter filled the room.

It was then that Fu Le noticed all Liu Xiaoyan’s roommates resting in the dormitory. He didn’t bother with them, and seeing no objection from Liu Xiaoyan, he carefully picked her up amidst envious and jealous looks and headed to the school’s medical room.

"If I had such a handsome and caring brother, I’d feel dying was worth it."
"Dream on! Can’t you tell they’ve known each other since childhood?"
"I’m sick too!" another girl flopped dramatically onto her bed. The dorm erupted in playful banter.

Feeling guilty about Tong Laidi combined with a cold had left Liu Xiaoyan weak and listless. The doctor said an IV would help. Actually, after Fu Le assured her that Tong Laidi was alright, Liu Xiaoyan's condition improved considerably.

Desiring sugared tangerines, Fu Le laid Liu Xiaoyan on her dorm bed and hurried out. He returned with a bowl of tangerines and fed her with a spoon. 

The girls cheered again! Fu Le stayed until Liu Xiaoyan fell asleep, covered her with a blanket, and left quietly, unaware that he was being watched like a piece of meat by the girls.

Under dim streetlights, Liu Xiaoyan hummed a popular tune, hands behind her back, holding a book while strolling. Two masked assailants suddenly appeared from the shadows, brandishing gleaming butcher knives, blocking her path. Before she could react, a long-haired figure bravely rushed out to fight the attackers.

The three rolled on the ground in a furious brawl. One of the assailants had his mask ripped off, but he didn’t notice. Liu Xiaoyan squatted down, watching with interest as if it had nothing to do with her. When she grew bored, she stood up and prepared to leave.

"Wang Ruzhi, have you had enough fun?" she asked. Wang Ruzhi, deflated, climbed to his feet, as the assailants took the chance to flee.

"Playing hero to save the beauty, Wang Ruzhi? Are you really that dumb? Don't you have anything fresher?" Liu Xiaoyan asked with a faint smile to the dejected Wang Ruzhi.

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